Everything that made Chris Daughtry insufferable as a contestant on American Idol -- his utter lack of humor, his oppressive earnestness, his desire to sing every song in the same gut-wrenching fashion, a style that only suited the post-grunge brooding that is his chosen specialty -- work for him on his post-Idol debut album, Daughtry. Technically, this is not a solo album, it's the debut of a band called Daughtry, which is actually spelled all in capital letters, which could be seen as a sign that Chris Daughtry might have a bit of a credibility complex. It certainly seems as if he thinks he'll only be taken seriously as part of a band that, like lots of bands from the grunge revolution, is spelled in a specific, exacting way, even if it means that by the rules of the internet he is, quite literally, shouting at us -- which is only appropriate for a singer who is fueled by Fuel and lives by Live. And, let's face facts, DAUGHTRY was formed by Daughtry not only after his run on American Idol, but after he recorded this debut album: the band is for show, to prove that he's the real deal, baby, not some pansy TV singer. It's a posture that's not only just a teeny bit defensive, but one that's utterly unnecessary because the album DAUGHTRY is actually very good, whether it's judged by the standards of American Idol or by the standards of Fuel or Nickelback. Compared to Fuel -- the band that invited Daughtry to be their frontman after he was voted off Idol -- Daughtry has a lighter touch not just in his delivery but also in his songs, which are far hookier than most post-grunge; and if he's compared to Nickelback, he's a far more appealing frontman than that lunkhead Chad Kroeger, with a greater vocal range and far more sensitivity in his singing. Daughtry's way with a hook and empathetic emoting are placed far up in the unapologetically professional mix on DAUGHTRY, which is designed to cross over not to the pop market -- everybody involved knew that DAUGHTRY had that anyway thanks to Daughtry's TV celebrity -- but to the rock market, so everybody involved made sure not to temper the guitars with layers of synths or even to indulge in too many power ballads. The resulting album may play strictly by the rules of mainstream post-grunge and it may never achieve the sweat and grit that real rock bands do even after they've been cleaned up in the studio, but it follows the modern rock blueprint exceedingly well, creating drama even in its pedestrian moments. It also helps that the songs are sturdier than most post-grunge, with big, anthemic hooks on the choruses and verses that are lively enough not to bore. In short, it sounds like the work of a bunch of professionals, which is true to a certain extent: it was produced by Howard Benson, best-known for LPs by My Chemical Romance and All-American Rejects, but Benson and DAUGHTRY didn't draft in a bunch of pros to write the songs -- each tune bears a writing credit by Daughtry, and most of them are solo credits. Listening to these songs, it would be easy to mistake them for the work of seasoned pros: they not only follow the template of post-grunge well, they do it with better hooks and a commercial flair lacking from bands like Fuel and Shinedown, bands that have inspired Daughtry but who he betters here. To put it mildly, that's a surprise -- not just that Daughtry pulled off the tricky move of being pop enough for his Idol fans and rock enough for post-grungers, but that he pulled it off on the strength of his own work. While he hasn't shaken off all the problems that plagued him on the show -- he still could learn that a sense of humor helps add depth to his music, or at least he could realize that rock & roll should be fun at least some of the time -- but he's made those qualities work on a debut that's not only a lot more credible than any American Idol-affiliated rock album should be, but it's a lot easier to digest than most of its ilk. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
the only reason daughtry lost american idol is cuz they thought he had no range. he is a pretty good singer and he is also better than david cook, who won a different season. i think the winner of the season with daughtry was jordan sparks. she sucks really bad and has a funny last name too. I usually listen to 80s rock but i watched that season of american idol and heard them both
Dude, the reviewer is complimenting Daughtry. He's basically saying "Well, he has these flaws, but it's a really good CD and he makes the most of his talents." How is that a bad review? It's one of the most positive reviews I've read on Pandora, and I think it's fair.
I actually really like some of these songs, and I have to admit I'm surprised by that because I think American Idol is crap. But I also tend toward being overly serious, so maybe I have a high tolerance for that in my music. :)
J. Arrude, American Idol may be a scam but I find it funny you feel as if your an expert on music. I think probably you said it all in your first sentence ""bar singer" maybe you should try sober music you might change your mind about what is and what "ain't" music. By the way I've never heard your music "What station do I find you on?" or would I be ashamed of myself for listening?????
This is a great band/singer if you enjoy just listening to a talented rock singer sing. If you are looking for originality or a unique sound, you're in the wrong place, but for some people, listening to a good voice is rewarding enough. The entire album is a showcase for Chris's range and skill, and that is all it needs to be.
I never watched "Idol" but this guy has a great voice--and I'm glad he showcases it--unlike so many others who subsume their voice to trash music, in deference to the band they're in, and lose their talent. I can't count the CD's I have with only one good song--the song that was written to show off the voice of the lead singer.
I'm not a huge fan of Daughtry like most of the comment-writers here, but honestly? A word for the reviewer: if you're going to write a really bad album review, at least break up the run-on sentences.
This album and artist are a joke. He's nothing more than a bar singer. Everyone should be ashamed of themselves for even listening to this guy or any other of the American Idols. At least this guy plays an instrument and has worked somewhat at his art. He's just not good enough. Anyone who knows good music from bad music will tell you this. American Idol is a scam!!!!!
What kind of unprofessional crap is this? Up till now I've liked the descriptions on Pandora, but this album summary was total bias. The description of the band should be fact, not opinion. Whoever wrote that should be fired.
...ok girls, their sound is NOT original or unigue, sorry. There is nothing new here. But, before you FLAME me understand this. A) I'm from Daughtry's home town. B) His drummer Joey and I have known ea. other since 2nd grade. C) Yes, Chris, Joey and 'the gang' ARE nice, down to earth guys. We all came from the same, boring a** town w. strong family ties. I'm SOO HAPPY to see him and Joey making it. Keep doing what you do. Joey, if you see this, class of '94 rules, not '95 sorry!! Love ya bro
sorry, but the "about his album" is the worst ever.... chris daughtry is good... end of story.... thats all you have to say... not that he has an "utter lack of humor, oppressive earnestness" or his "desire to sing every song in the same gut-wrenching fashion"..... bull crud